Benzema asks Ancelotti to change the plan against Man City and exclude this player from Real Madrid formation
Karim Benzema was one of the most disappointing players in the Champions League semi-final first leg match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The French striker went unnoticed, missing the chance he had, only coming on a few times in the match.
The criticism, of course, did not please Benzema at all, it is clear that the blame for his worst performance is due to the plan that Ancelotti used.
The French forward feels most comfortable in a 4-4-2 formation, with Vinicius on the left and Fede Valverde on the right, where he has complete freedom throughout the attacking area.
Against Manchester City, Ancelotti opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Rodrygo on the right. The Brazilian player tends to enter diagonally towards the area, pulling his marker and generating a block of players in the attacking position.
This situation hurts Benzema, who cannot give his best on the field due to crowding inside the penalty area, as it happened to him when he played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benzema, more comfortable without Rodrygo
This is why Benzema has asked Ancelotti to return to the 4-4-2 formation that gave Real Madrid so much success last season, with the Frenchman as the leader of the attack.
Karim realizes that in Manchester the Italian coach must restore the previous system, which will make him contribute much more, in addition to being able to stop Manchester City in a better way.
The plan started well with Vinicius’ goal, but De Bruyne’s goal 1-1 thwarted everything. Real Madrid gave it all in the last stage, as they looked to win 2-1, but the final result left everything open for the second leg. Ancelotti believes City will be more aggressive and attacking.
Domino effect caused by Benzema
The move to an increasingly predictable 4-4-2 will bring many changes to Real Madrid. Carlo Ancelotti will bring back Militao, who missed the first leg due to suspension.
The natural thing is for Rudiger to return to the bench, but the German’s excellent performance against Manchester City, with which he stopped Haaland, will change everything. Rudiger will remain a regular starter, along with Militao, which will see Alaba move back into the left-back position to cover for Bernardo Silva or, who knows, Mahrez.
With David Alaba on the left side, Camavinga will be the defensive pivot, with Kroos and Modric on the inside, Fede Valverde will play, who will be the right wing again.
So Benzema will be happy and Real Madrid will be more solid. Let’s remember the team that eliminated Manchester City last season and won the Champions League.
Source: El Nacional
